Elon Musk opposes new government spending package in first test of his political power after election

In a dramatic display of his burgeoning political influence, Elon Musk has successfully derailed a bipartisan government spending package.

On Wednesday, Musk launched a vigorous campaign on his social media platform X, vehemently opposing a Republican-backed government spending bill. The bill, a continuing resolution aimed at preventing a government shutdown, was criticized by Musk for its alleged excessive spending and what he termed as “criminal” provisions.

Musk threatened to fund primary challenges against any lawmakers who voted for the bill, declaring, “Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years!”

The South African’s intervention was swiftly followed by President-elect Donald Trump’s own condemnation of the bill, further solidifying the deal’s demise. Trump’s statement, issued jointly with Vice President-elect JD Vance, echoed Musk’s sentiments and effectively halted the bill’s progress.

A following slimmed-down bill aimed at limping the government through to March, with support of all of the Republican hierarchy, was also blown away with not even a simple majority.

“To say this is alarming and a setback is an absolute understatement,” a Republican source told NBC News.

Though Republicans still struggle to wield their majority in Congress, it is clear that Musk’s role is growing, which as an unelected person should raise alarm bells for American democracy.

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